Cars · Top 10
Best Honda Accord Generations (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The 11th-generation Accord (2023-present) is the best Honda Accord generation, ahead of the 10th (2018-2022) and 9th (2013-2017). Accord generations by US years: 1st 1976-1981, 2nd 1982-1985, 3rd 1986-1989, 4th 1990-1993, 5th 1994-1997, 6th 1998-2002, 7th 2003-2007, 8th 2008-2012, 9th 2013-2017, 10th 2018-2022, 11th 2023-present. Ten are ranked on NHTSA records, EPA mpg, awards and launch prices; the 7th is left out for its recall record.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Years | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-2026 Honda Accord (11th gen) | 2023-present: unveiled on 10 November 2022 as a 2023 model and arriving at Honda dealers in January 2023; the 2026 Accord was released on December 18, 2025 as a design carryover | The newest Accord, with a 48 mpg hybrid and a Top Safety Pick+ award |
| 2 | 2018-2022 Honda Accord (10th gen) | 2018-2022: unveiled on 14 July 2017 and on sale from 18 October 2017 as a 2018 model; a 2020 facelift for the 2021 model year dropped the manual transmission | A late-model used Accord with turbo power and an award record |
| 3 | 2013-2017 Honda Accord (9th gen) | 2013-2017: the sedan went on sale on 19 September 2012 in the United States, with the coupe following on 15 October 2012 | A fuel-efficient, well-priced used sedan |
| 4 | 2008-2012 Honda Accord (8th gen) | 2008-2012: a larger North American Accord classified as a full-size car by EPA standards, with a Crosstour fastback added for the 2010 model year | A roomy V-6 sedan at a low used price |
| 5 | 1986-1989 Honda Accord (3rd gen) | 1986-1989: launched in 1986 with five versions and retractable headlights; the first front-wheel-drive cars with a racecar-inspired double wishbone suspension at the front and rear wheels | A sharp-handling classic with a clean record |
| 6 | 1990-1993 Honda Accord (4th gen) | 1990-1993: debuted in the fall of 1989 on a 107.1-inch wheelbase with a new 2.2 L four-cylinder, and a new station wagon joined the sedan and coupe | A simple, midsize-sized Accord for collectors |
| 7 | 1994-1997 Honda Accord (5th gen) | 1994-1997: totally redesigned in 1994 with a 2.2 L VTEC four-cylinder, and a 2.7 L, 170-horsepower V-6 arrived in 1995 | The first Accord with a V-6 and a trophy shelf |
| 8 | 1982-1985 Honda Accord (2nd gen) | 1982-1985: debuted in the fall of 1981 as a 1982 model; Honda began Accord production in Marysville, Ohio, in November of 1982, the first passenger cars built in America by a Japanese automaker | The first Accord built in America |
| 9 | 1998-2002 Honda Accord (6th gen) | 1998-2002: a totally new Accord with a new body, a redesigned chassis and engine, a 2.3 L four-cylinder VTEC and a 3.0 L V-6 | An affordable older Accord with V-6 power |
| 10 | 1976-1981 Honda Accord (1st gen) | 1976-1981: introduced in June 1976 as a three-door hatchback with a 1.6 L CVCC engine rated at 68 horsepower; a sedan debuted in 1979 | The original Accord, a collector piece |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2023-2026 Honda Accord (11th gen)
Best award record
2018-2022 Honda Accord (10th gen)
Best used value
2013-2017 Honda Accord (9th gen)
Best classic
1986-1989 Honda Accord (3rd gen)
Original
1976-1981 Honda Accord (1st gen)
The ranking
1
2023-2026 Honda Accord (11th gen)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best Accord generation to buy today.
Years: 2023-present: unveiled on 10 November 2022 as a 2023 model and arriving at Honda dealers in January 2023; the 2026 Accord was released on December 18, 2025 as a design carryoverPrice: 2023 launch prices: LX $27,295, Sport Hybrid $31,895 and Touring Hybrid $37,890 (MSRP; $1,095 destination is extra)EPA fuel economy: 2023 Accord Hybrid: 48 mpg combined (51 city / 44 hwy)NHTSA: 2023 model year: 5 recalls, including front seat belt pretensioners missing a rivet and a high-pressure fuel pumpIIHS: The 2023 Accord earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with a Good rating in the updated side test (the 2022 model was Marginal)
The 11th generation was unveiled on 10 November 2022 and reached dealers in January 2023, starting at $27,295. The 2023 Accord Hybrid is rated 48 mpg combined, the 2023 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and the 2023 model year has 5 recalls.
Go ifThe newest Accord, with a 48 mpg hybrid and a Top Safety Pick+ award
Skip ifYou want a used price, since this is the newest and priciest generation
Why #1 over #2: Its hybrid, IIHS award and short recall list beat the 10th generation.
2
2018-2022 Honda Accord (10th gen)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictGreat awards, but a heavy 2018 complaint count.
Years: 2018-2022: unveiled on 14 July 2017 and on sale from 18 October 2017 as a 2018 model; a 2020 facelift for the 2021 model year dropped the manual transmissionPrice: 2018 launch prices: LX $23,570, Sport $25,780, EX $27,470 and Touring $33,800 (MSRP)EPA fuel economy: 2018 Accord 1.5 L turbo CVT: 33 mpg combined (30 city / 38 hwy)NHTSA: 2018 model year: 6 recalls and 1,895 complaints, led by the engine at 559 and forward collision avoidance at 341Awards: Named the 2018 North American Car of the Year, and the 2019 Accord earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick
The 10th generation went on sale on 18 October 2017 from $23,570 and was the 2018 North American Car of the Year. The 1.5 L turbo returns 33 mpg combined, but the 2018 model year has 6 recalls and 1,895 complaints.
Go ifA late-model used Accord with turbo power and an award record
Skip ifYou are sensitive to complaints: the 2018 model year has 1,895
Why #2 over #3: Its awards and mpg beat the 9th generation, though its complaint count is higher.
3
2013-2017 Honda Accord (9th gen)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA sweet-spot used buy with a steering complaint trail.
Years: 2013-2017: the sedan went on sale on 19 September 2012 in the United States, with the coupe following on 15 October 2012Price: 2013 launch prices: LX sedan $21,680 (6-speed manual) and $22,480 (CVT); Touring V-6 $33,430 (MSRP; $790 destination is extra)EPA fuel economy: 2013 Accord 2.4 L CVT: 30 mpg combined (26 city / 35 hwy)NHTSA: 2013 model year: 5 recalls and 1,427 complaints, led by steering at 499 and the electrical system at 417Awards: Named the 2013 Canadian Car of the Year and the 2014 Green Car of the Year
The 9th generation went on sale on 19 September 2012 from $21,680 and was the 2013 Canadian Car of the Year. The 2.4 L CVT returns 30 mpg combined, but the 2013 model year has 5 recalls and 1,427 complaints.
Go ifA fuel-efficient, well-priced used sedan
Skip ifYou are shopping the 2013 model year, with 1,427 complaints
Why #3 over #4: Its mpg and price beat the 8th generation on recalls.
4
2008-2012 Honda Accord (8th gen)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictRoomy and powerful, but recall-heavy.
Years: 2008-2012: a larger North American Accord classified as a full-size car by EPA standards, with a Crosstour fastback added for the 2010 model yearPrice: 2008 launch prices: LX sedan $20,360 (5-speed manual) and $21,160 (5-speed automatic); EX-L V6 sedan with Navi $30,260 (MSRP; $670 destination is extra)Engine: 2.4 L i-VTEC four-cylinder with 177 horsepower on LX models and 190 on EX sedans, and a 268-horsepower 3.5 L i-VTEC V-6EPA fuel economy: 2008 Accord 2.4 L automatic: 24 mpg combined (21 city / 31 hwy)NHTSA: 2008 model year: 8 vehicle recalls, most for passenger-side air bag inflators, and 1,521 complaints, led by service brakes at 574 and hydraulic at 451
The 8th generation grew into a full-size car by EPA standards, with a 177-horsepower 2.4 L and a 268-horsepower 3.5 L V-6, from $20,360. The 2008 model year has 8 vehicle recalls and 1,521 complaints.
Go ifA roomy V-6 sedan at a low used price
Skip ifYou want a clean NHTSA record: the 2008 model year has 8 vehicle recalls
Why #4 over #5: Its power and room beat the 3rd generation, though its record is heavier.
5
1986-1989 Honda Accord (3rd gen)
Photo: ArroganceandAccords / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA pop-up-headlight classic with a short record.
Years: 1986-1989: launched in 1986 with five versions and retractable headlights; the first front-wheel-drive cars with a racecar-inspired double wishbone suspension at the front and rear wheelsPrice: 1988 Accord LXi Coupe: $14,960 (MSRP)EPA fuel economy: 1988 Accord 2.0 L automatic: 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 hwy)NHTSA: 1988 model year: 2 recalls, including front seat belt buckle release buttons that can break, and 97 complaints, led by seat belts at 32Awards: Won Car of the Year Japan at its 1985 introduction
The 3rd generation brought a double wishbone suspension at the front and rear wheels and won Car of the Year Japan at its 1985 introduction. The 1988 model year has 2 recalls and 97 complaints, and the 2.0 L automatic returns 22 mpg combined.
Go ifA sharp-handling classic with a clean record
Skip ifYou need modern safety and driver aids
Why #5 over #6: Its clean record beats the 4th generation, which missed 10Best.
6
1990-1993 Honda Accord (4th gen)
Photo: Cutlass / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictSolid, but passed over by 10Best.
Years: 1990-1993: debuted in the fall of 1989 on a 107.1-inch wheelbase with a new 2.2 L four-cylinder, and a new station wagon joined the sedan and coupePrice: 1990 launch prices: DX sedan $12,345, LX sedan $14,895 and EX sedan $16,595 (MSRP)EPA fuel economy: 1992 Accord 2.2 L automatic: 22 mpg combined (19 city / 26 hwy)NHTSA: 1992 model year: 2 vehicle recalls and 230 complaints, led by air bags at 36 and power train at 29Car and Driver: Car and Driver did not name the 1992 and 1993 model years to its 10Best list
The 4th generation debuted in the fall of 1989 with a new 2.2 L four-cylinder, starting at $12,345. The 1992 model year has 2 vehicle recalls and 230 complaints, but Car and Driver did not name the 1992 and 1993 models to its 10Best list.
Go ifA simple, midsize-sized Accord for collectors
Skip ifYou want a car with a 10Best badge for these years
Why #6 over #7: Its record beats the 5th generation on air bag complaints.
7
1994-1997 Honda Accord (5th gen)
Photo: Just a Man / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictAward-winning, with air bag complaints.
Years: 1994-1997: totally redesigned in 1994 with a 2.2 L VTEC four-cylinder, and a 2.7 L, 170-horsepower V-6 arrived in 1995Price: Not published in the sources usedEPA fuel economy: 1996 Accord 2.2 L automatic: 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 hwy)NHTSA: 1996 model year: 1 vehicle recall and 499 complaints, led by air bags at 112, engine at 101 and service brakes at 82Awards: Won Car of the Year Japan at its 1993 introduction and Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1994; Car and Driver did not name the 1996 and 1997 model years to its 10Best list
The 5th generation added a 2.7 L, 170-horsepower V-6 in 1995 and won Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1994. The 1996 model year has 1 vehicle recall and 499 complaints, led by air bags at 112.
Go ifThe first Accord with a V-6 and a trophy shelf
Skip ifYou want a car with a 10Best badge for 1996-1997
Why #7 over #8: Its awards beat the 2nd generation, though its complaints are higher.
8
1982-1985 Honda Accord (2nd gen)
Photo: Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA milestone car with few records.
Years: 1982-1985: debuted in the fall of 1981 as a 1982 model; Honda began Accord production in Marysville, Ohio, in November of 1982, the first passenger cars built in America by a Japanese automakerPrice: Not published in the sources usedEngine: The engine grew from 1751cc to 1830cc and 86 horsepower in 1984, and fuel injection debuted on the 1985 Accord SEi with 101 horsepowerEPA fuel economy: 1984 Accord 1.8 L automatic: 25 mpg combined (23 city / 29 hwy)NHTSA: 1984 model year: 2 recalls (a voltage regulator that may overcharge and a fuel filler pipe whose coating may be damaged) and 24 complaints
The 2nd generation debuted in the fall of 1981, and production began in Marysville, Ohio, in November of 1982. The 1984 model year has 2 recalls and 24 complaints, and the 1.8 L automatic returns 25 mpg combined.
Go ifThe first Accord built in America
Skip ifYou want a daily driver
Why #8 over #9: Its low complaint count beats the 6th generation.
9
1998-2002 Honda Accord (6th gen)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheap, but a long complaint list.
Years: 1998-2002: a totally new Accord with a new body, a redesigned chassis and engine, a 2.3 L four-cylinder VTEC and a 3.0 L V-6Price: 1998 launch prices: DX sedan $15,400, LX 4-cylinder $18,790, EX 4-cylinder $22,550 and EX V-6 $25,100 (MSRP)EPA fuel economy: 2000 Accord 2.3 L automatic: 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 hwy)NHTSA: 2000 model year: 8 vehicle recalls and 1,215 complaints, led by air bags at 459, power train at 203 and electrical at 173Emissions: The 2000 Accord became the first high-volume Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) sold
The 6th generation was a totally new Accord with a 2.3 L four-cylinder and a 3.0 L V-6, starting at $15,400. The 2000 model year has 8 vehicle recalls and 1,215 complaints, led by air bags at 459.
Go ifAn affordable older Accord with V-6 power
Skip ifYou are sensitive to air bag and recall history
Why #9 over #10: Its V-6 and SULEV milestone beat the 1st generation as a driver.
10
1976-1981 Honda Accord (1st gen)
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe origin story, little else.
Years: 1976-1981: introduced in June 1976 as a three-door hatchback with a 1.6 L CVCC engine rated at 68 horsepower; a sedan debuted in 1979Price: 1976 launch price: $3,995, with only one trim levelEPA fuel economy: 1976 Accord 5-speed: 36 mpg combined (31 city / 44 hwy) by EPA estimatesSales: 18,333 Accords were sold in 1976, and annual sales reached 185,972 by 1980NHTSA: 1979 model year: 1 recall (road salt can cause serious rusting that can weaken undercarriage components) and 3 complaints
The 1st generation arrived in June 1976 at $3,995 and was rated 36 mpg combined by the EPA. Honda sold 18,333 in 1976 and 185,972 by 1980, and the 1979 model year has 1 recall and 3 complaints.
Go ifThe original Accord, a collector piece
Skip ifYou want a daily driver
How we ranked these
We ranked each generation on NHTSA recall and complaint counts, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, IIHS and award results, and Honda launch pricing. NHTSA counts are for the single model year named in each entry and exclude aftermarket equipment recalls. The 7th generation (2003-2007) is not ranked because its NHTSA record is the heaviest of any generation. The chart shows the year each generation was introduced. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What years is the 11th gen Accord?
The 11th-generation Honda Accord covers the 2023 model year to the present: it was unveiled on 10 November 2022, arrived at Honda dealers in January 2023, and the 2026 Accord was released on December 18, 2025.
What are the Honda Accord generations by year?
In the US the Accord generations run 1976-1981, 1982-1985, 1986-1989, 1990-1993, 1994-1997, 1998-2002, 2003-2007, 2008-2012, 2013-2017, 2018-2022 and 2023-present, which is 1st through 11th.
What is the best Honda Accord generation?
The 2023-2026 11th generation ranks first: its hybrid is rated 48 mpg combined, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2023, and its 2023 model year has 5 recalls.
Which Accord generation has the most NHTSA complaints?
Among the years checked, the 2003 model year of the 7th generation has 2,013 NHTSA complaints and 13 vehicle recalls, with the 2018 model year of the 10th generation next at 1,895.
Year introduced at a glance
1976-1981 Honda Accord (1st gen)1,976 year
1982-1985 Honda Accord (2nd gen)1,982 year
1986-1989 Honda Accord (3rd gen)1,986 year
1990-1993 Honda Accord (4th gen)1,990 year
1994-1997 Honda Accord (5th gen)1,994 year
1998-2002 Honda Accord (6th gen)1,998 year
2008-2012 Honda Accord (8th gen)2,008 year
2013-2017 Honda Accord (9th gen)2,013 year
2018-2022 Honda Accord (10th gen)2,018 year
2023-2026 Honda Accord (11th gen)2,023 year
Official sites
- 2023-2026 Honda Accord (11th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2018-2022 Honda Accord (10th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2013-2017 Honda Accord (9th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2008-2012 Honda Accord (8th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1986-1989 Honda Accord (3rd gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1990-1993 Honda Accord (4th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1994-1997 Honda Accord (5th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1982-1985 Honda Accord (2nd gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1998-2002 Honda Accord (6th gen) · en.wikipedia.org
- 1976-1981 Honda Accord (1st gen) · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- hondanews.com
- hondanews.com
- prnewswire.com
- hondanews.com
- hondanews.com
- iihs.org
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.